Homebuilding

Interior Finishes

Thin-coat plaster is a two-step lime based finish troweled on about 3/8" thick after plasterboard is hung. It is harder than drywall as a finish and can be smooth or textured as needed.

Plaster is not only more durable than drywall but also adds a considerable amount of mass to a building, moderating temperature swings and effectively storing solar radiation in passive solar designs. The "imperfections" of a handworked surface can also be more esthetically appealing.

Earth clay plaster finishes can be applied over a standard lime plaster basecoat. It affords a wide variety of color and texturing. The surface is softer than traditional plaster but is easily repairable.

Paneling like this 1x6 pine is a sustainable interior finish, that adds a warm element to the room.

Concrete can be stamped and textured with different color aggregates and finishes.

The concrete floor was acid-etched to a deep reddish color and then sealed. Concrete is ideal for in-floor heating systems and adding thermal mass. Simple installations can be the lowest cost flooring, but price can range dramatically as complexity increases.

Tile as a flooring material is durable, compatible with radiant heating systems, is non-toxic, and adds additional thermal mass to passive solar buildings.

Wood and bamboo flooring varies in hardness by species and is prized for its natural beauty and resilient surface. Here a cherry border surrounds a center area of oak. Radiant in-floor heating can be run under wood. We will sometimes put thin slabs of concrete under wood flooring to add mass and improve in-floor heating performance. Costs can be higher than moderately priced tile or slate.

Slate is a natural stone that is relatively inexpensive compared to marble and tile and comes in a wide range of colors and textures. It is often porous and can be sealed to prevent staining. It is also ideal for radiant in-floor heating systems and for adding thermal mass.

Marble is a natural stone that is relatively soft and easy to cut. It has the same thermal advantages as tile but tends to wear more evenly as the color is consistent throughout the material.